Daniel Farke is counting the hours to his Carrow Road debut - but has a special mission for Norwich City fans this season.

City’s final pre-season friendly against Brighton this weekend will be the German’s grand unveiling on home soil since his summer appointment.

Much has been made of the declining Carrow Road atmosphere in recent times and Farke insists that backing is essential for a young squad and new head coach.

“It is an important time of change. It is not an easy change so we need our fans, we need that support,” he said. “We have to be realistic. We have brought the salary level down, we have a budget we are working to and we lost some really big players.

“I believe the fans have a realistic view of what we are trying to do with many young players. Last season we were probably one of the oldest squads, when you watch our pre-season games you get the sense we are probably one of the youngest. They need support, they will make some mistakes, there will be some hard times but when we have victories together it will be special.”

Farke was unhappy at City’s patchy display in a 2-0 friendly win against Charlton but predicts his summer arrivals will get a lift from a home finale this weekend.

“It is our living room and especially for our new guys they need a good favourable impression. It should feel like home,” he said. “It is important to have this game. We are looking forward to it.

“They are unbelievable the fans. I knew when I signed we probably had the best fans in the league. We will try to be there for them and fulfil their dreams and wishes. We want to make them happy. We want a great atmosphere. Hopefully our fans will do better than we did in the first half (at Charlton).”

The City chief is not expecting fresh incomings before the newly-promoted Seagulls’ visit on Saturday.

“No, not close for Brighton. The window is open for another five weeks and as a head coach you want players as soon as possible,” he said. “If you have to be patient I will.

“Apart from the first half at Charlton I have been happy with the guys. If we have to do the whole season with 15 players we will do so. No problem. We work with the skills we have.”